Toyota Highlander

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Comments

  • carlisleddscarlisledds Member Posts: 1
    www.toyotaguys.com has a great cargo mat for the rear cargo area; click on parts on their home page and scroll to cargo mats -highlander. It is a indoor/outdoor carpet type material called Polyware, with; a raised border for spills, can be hosed off, rubber backing, comes in gray and oak (matches the ivory toyota interior); also has lock blocks that attach with velcro hooks to the polyware to hold coolers etc. Cost $99.00 - no tax or shipping. Arrived 4 days after I ordered it. toyotaguys.com also has other discounted Toyota parts including floor mats and oil filters. Tell them you were referred and they may? give you an additional 10% off.
  • acsmithacsmith Member Posts: 63
    Many thanks to all--toyotawarranty.com is the place to go. Thanks for focusing me on the right place. Off to the dealer to save $350. Love this site!!!!
  • acsmithacsmith Member Posts: 63
    Several have written about when to do the first change. Her HL (and my Honda Odyssey) both do not have special "break-in" oil. Rather, many have recommended (and I did it to my Ody and the HL) to change the filter only at about 2000 miles. It's cheap (maybe $5) and you only add maybe 1/2 to 3/4 qt of oil. But you get rid of the manufacturing crud that is inevitably in the engine. That takes care of things until the first mfr recommended change, at 6,000 to 7,500.
    I believe this is an inexpensive "protection plan" and worth it.
  • mkdhmkdh Member Posts: 1
    Celebrating the purchase of a red...lovely color...un-ltd 4wd 4dr which came into a local dealer one day I was cruising the various sites. The normal good cop-bad cop routine but I knew I found, largely, what I wanted, 4 WD V6 and moon roof being the key components, and no leather since a terrier in the house can't help but threaten the upholstery when she "goes for a ride". My question is what I should I expect in mileage? I have been somewhat surprised that my normal about town driving with the HL has required more fill-ups than the- hardly a model for efficiency previous SUV, a Jeep Cherokee. To date the miles are approx. 835 and I've filled up from close to empty three times. I mixed up the octane between 87 and 89. Notwithstanding, I love the car-like ride ( the previous Jeep and an earlier 4Runner bear out the truck ride experience)the acceleration of the 220 hp and the access to a 4 WD vehicle low enough for the height challenged family members.
  • xcarnutxcarnut Member Posts: 81
    mkdh - I am getting about 19.x mpg in a combined heavy stop and go and freeway and city type driving. I have a V6, 4wd, un-ltd. It should get better in miles as it breaks in more. Doing a quick math calc on yours with the assumption of 60 gal used and 835 miles driven you are getting 14mpg which wouldn't be terribly bad based on the assumption of a 60 gallons used, though I doubt you used 60 gallons in 835 miles. Take a look on the Yahoo HL club there is a poll for MPG somewhere on it.
  • rkuehnrkuehn Member Posts: 120
    Saw a HL on a lot tonight with fender flares and white-letter Michelins. I think these were port-installed options, maybe around ~500-600 each. Pricey, but not a bad look, adds some "ruggedness".

    Also, anyone tried to order a Limited but without the fake wood? Thinking the low-end plastic actually looks better...
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    I don't think the Limited is available WITHOUT the fake wood. At least it wasn't when we bought ours. However, the chances are that if you want a Limited because of the features, you might be able to get the "hammertone" panels separately and just change them out. They probably just snap on and off. BTW, I didn't say this was an inexpensive scenario, just one that might be able to meet you needs. Maybe you can order the new ones through toyotaguys.com (or some place similar), change them out, and sell the originals on Ebay. Just a thought....

    Oh yeah, the flares are a Southeast Toyota distributor level option from what I remember. We can't get them here in TX (Gulf States Toyota distributor).
  • jvelkyjvelky Member Posts: 1
    We are looking to purchase a new Highlander, but want to wait for the 2002 to come out. When will it be available?
  • ted83ted83 Member Posts: 21
    I see where Toyotaguys.com has added touch-up paint and the service manuals for the HL. They did not have those when I bought my HL in June. I don't think I'll be buying the manuals - about $300 for both volumes - but some of you might.
  • jarcher2jarcher2 Member Posts: 2
    Took the wife and family for a test drive (my second) and discovered the wind buffeting (rear windows rolled down) to be unbearable beginning at 35 MPH. That pretty much sealed the Highlanders fate for us.

    To be fair however, it would be her primary vehicle and she rarely lets the kids mess with the windows. I enjoy driving with the windows down.

    My only other complaint was the short seat bottoms on the front seats and the low back seat. We're currently driving 2 80's vintage Volvos which have very good seats. I have noticed that most of todays seat bottoms are generally shorter.

    Skyreb (post 3449) does a good analysis on the wind noise problem.
  • oldbulldogoldbulldog Member Posts: 5
    just had brake recall done - took little more than 1 hour - car on lift for most of it so I assume lines were bled - but here is the question - for those of you who had the job done or know the details - did they replace the whole plastic cap - or did they put in a new seal in the old cap I ask because I put a small mark on the cap before going to the dealer --after the job was done I inspected the cap and the mark is still there but also it now contains a white mark on the top. Spoke to local mechanic and he said looks like the white mark is to indicate they replaced the seal in the old cap --can anyone throw light on this? I would have asked dealer but was home by the time had chance to look at cap. BTW - really did not notice much of a difference in brakes before and after.
  • masbamamasbama Member Posts: 6
    We just bought a Highlander. Great vehicle! What is the best tow hitch for this? I tow a 3000# boat. Would like it to look as hidden as possible.
  • svtcobraconvsvtcobraconv Member Posts: 85
    I agree that your vehicles do not have "break-in" oil. I don't think any vehicles do today.

    However, I don't think just changing just the filter at 2000 miles makes sense. If you are going to go through the bother of changing the filter, why not spend another $5 or so and change the oil? The oil itself has more impurities suspended in it than the filter is holding, as well as by-products from gasoline combustion.
  • berstjiberstji Member Posts: 6
    Had my HL in for the cap and bleed last Sat. I was going to have the first oil change (I have 1500 miles, first one is free!!). I was told to wait for at least 3000-4000 before worrying about it. Of course that would depend on your driving conditions.
  • ahlinahlin Member Posts: 30
    Help! HL 4WD Limited. Vehicle has 800 miles and is perfect except for a very annoying rattle from passenger front. Dealer thought it may be in the glove box. They adjusted the brackets and put a pad in back lower section of box but the rattle is still there. Dealer says to bring it in again but warned that if the problem is in the dashboard it may be unfixable. I notice that the passenger door makes a noise when you open the door and shake it maybe something with the lock. I wonder if the solution is to live with it and just turn up the radio. Dealers attempt at humor. Any ideas? Thanks much!
  • jreajrea Member Posts: 26
    I've discovered, after almost 4500 miles now, that my only rattle that I thought was coming from the passenger door or glovebox was actually coming from under the front passenger seat. There are several plastic wire "runners" under the seat that if positioned just wrong will click against each other. I just taped them together and eliminated the rattle.
  • jreajrea Member Posts: 26
    Thought I'd relate my first towing experience for others who might be interested.

    Towed 2000+ lb. camping trailer 400 miles round-trip with HL LTD 4x4 6 cyl. About 320 miles was on relatively level interstate with speed varying between 60 and 75; cross-winds were at times quite strong. 50 miles was on rolling two-lane pavement, with the remaining 30 miles on rough dirt road.

    Comparisons are with my previous 1997 Ford Explorer. HL pulled the trailer with no problem. Smooth and absolutely no trailer "waggle." The Explorer was an adventure sometimes pulling the trailer in cross-winds. The HL seemed to handle the tonque weight of the trailer better than the Explorer, with almost no sag in the rear suspension. All four wheels felt firmly planted, and I had excellent steering control. Gas mileage averaged just over 19mpg true (almost 20 on the computer). Explorer would do well to get 14mpg in same situation. The only time I wished for the 6 cyl. Explorer was in negotiating a VERY steep hill and switchbacks on the dirt road. The Ex pulled strongly with very good slow speed torque. The HL was weak in first gear, and at one point I had some doubt whether it would make it. It finally did and all was well.

    Overall, the ride in the HL was stable, confident, and extremely comfortable. It was a joy to drive and to pull the trailer. This experience confirmed that I made the right choice.
  • shnickshnick Member Posts: 7
    Does anyone know if the appearance will change on the 2002 Highlander? I just saw the 2002 Camry's and they look sharp! The Camry really needed a make-over. In fact, from the back, they almost look like the Avalon...
  • bapjbapj Member Posts: 3
    If pricing is in on 2002 Canadian Highlander, why can't we find it for the US Highlander? I'm holding off, but anxious. Hope someone finds it soon.
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    Being a stickler for details, I inspected my master cylinder to see what was changed. Like yours, the dealer put a smudge of white paint on top of the cap. It was still wet when I got home. Can't tell if it was just a seal replacement or a complete new cap. Maybe it's a new cap and the dealers have to put the white on it to distinguish from the old. FWIW, my dealer even did me the courtesy of overfilling the resevoir by about 1" ABOVE the "full" mark. I siphoned the excess out, shaking my head the whole time.
  • alpyaalpya Member Posts: 7
    Hello, I am almost ready to buy the HL but was wondering about the current best Interest Rate that I can get. If anybody has some information about the site or company or the rate the dealer has will greatly appreciated.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    To get a "baseline" quote, you can go to the Edmunds.com home page and click on "Get a low-rate auto loan". Then you can shop your quote around with the dealer, bank or other website.

    Also from the home page, you can click on "Get local finance rates" and it'll provide you with a personalized look at finance rates in your area.

    Good luck.

    Steve
    Host
    Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

  • hawkeye70hawkeye70 Member Posts: 43
    jrea - Thanks for posting your recent towing experience. We are about to go on a 1500 mile trip towing a 1200 lb trailer on both freeways and mountain roads. It's good to hear that the HL pulls well and "the tail doesn't wag the dog."


    masbama - Many of us have installed the Hidden Hitch model# 70777 round tube style hitch. While it is not exactly hidden, it doesn't look too bad. It is available from many places, should be about $150 shipped from: http://www.hitch-web.com or http://www.bageco.com. You will also need a wiring harness pigtail to make the connection from the converter to your trailer. It is available from: http://www.toyotaguys.com. Toyotaguys.com also sells the factory hitch.

  • tbuchtatbuchta Member Posts: 43
    I posted my experience with towing back in March or April but since it still isnt possible to search for a message I will summarize here. (Its aggravating to not be be able to search messages for a topic or keyword! People will con tinue to ask questions that they could answer themselves by using the search feature)

    I have the 4wd, 6 cyl, with towing packages...towed a 1200 lb trailer from Salt Lake City to LA and back via Joshua Tree NP. Milage ranged from 17 to 21 depending mainly on the road grades and wind speed and direction. The highest gas milage actually came with the highest tow speed of 70 mph. On level and gentle grades the transmission stayed in cruise (4th) and on cruise control. Cruise control will cause the trans to downshift to 3rd on any sustained grades once you slow down more than 2 or 3 mph. In some cases I took it out of cruise control to avoid this, but on any sustained moderate to steep grade you may as well lock out 4th gear to avoid having the trans shift back and forth.....I found that 70 mph is about as fast as I wanted to go in areas which required 3rd gear due to the rpms

    Never downshifted to 2nd gear, but didnt really travel over any really hairy grades and switchbacks like you might experience in the Colorado Rockies for example. Trailer tracked perfectly, never any sense of strain, no change in engine temp over running without a trailer.

    Only thing I noticed almost immediately was a racket from the back which sounded like the safety chains beating on the trailer, after about 100 miles of having my wife crawl around the back of the HL trying to isolate the noise I deduced it was coming from the license plate rattling agains the cheap holder that the dealer provided as a result of the the turbulence caused by the trailer. Temporary solution was to tape a packet of tissues under the license plate, ultimately I bought one of those nice "Highlander" license plate holders you can get from the toyota parts dealers.

    I think thats all.....I am encouraged to hear that the experience is basically the same with a 2000 lb trailer. .
  • tbuchtatbuchta Member Posts: 43
    I know there have been previous posts on the subject (unfortunately I cant search for them) but has anyone replaced the stereo and speakers themselves? If so could you provide some directions on how to get at the double din unit and speakers to remove/install them? Normally I have this type of work done professionally but I can order speakers and amplifiers for much less over the internet than I can get them from local retail shops.....so I am considering dong the work myself......thanks
  • candyman85233candyman85233 Member Posts: 43
    I went to e-loans.com and peoplefirst.com to get a 6.7% rate for 60 mos. I took that into the dealership when I was buying and they would not accept the draft check that e-loans provided. However, because I had that and that is the only way I would go through with the deal, they got me a 6.8% rate. Good luck!
  • ci2ci2 Member Posts: 5
    This is my first time posting on this site but over the past few weeks have found the input very useful.

    I am currently considering the purchase of a non-limited 4WD V6 Highlander with dealer installed Leather. According to the Dealer the leather and installation will be of equal quality to the factory.
    Question: has anyone had experience with dealer installed leather? The dealer has quoted a price of $30,700 (V6 4WD with Preferred, Appearance and convenience Packages with Sun Roof, Tow,spoiler and dealer installed leather. Any thoughts on the price?
  • runpantherrunpanther Member Posts: 44
    Be aware the Dealer may be trying to con you into more money. I had a unfortunate experience with a dealer who tried to tell me his leather was much better than the factory leather and thus the difference in price (Dealer leather was $2814, Factory leather is $812/Invoice). When I questioned him on why his was so much more than the factory he told me his "breathes" better. After much haggling he reluctantly agreed to bring it down to $1,500. Needless to say I walked out. My advice to you is to not pay no more than between $812 and $1,015 ($1,015 is the MSRP). Good Luck
  • suvshopper4suvshopper4 Member Posts: 1,110
    ci2: I've heard from other RAV owners that they have a gotten better leather interior than the factory leather (better grade, more color choices, everything covered -not just the seating surfaces) for about $1,200 (I think) at a national after-market installer.

    ejp
  • dswinedswine Member Posts: 2
    Just want to add my comments in case Toyota monitors this. I'm happy with the Highlander (V6 AWD, un-Limited) with the exception of several rattles and buzzes in the dash. One comes from the glovebox, one from the area of the shifter, and one near/behind the radio. Also, I think there's excessive noise from the wheels/suspension over rough road surface. Overall significantly noiser than my previous 95 Windstar.

    Mileage so far is 19.5mpg overall in 2500 miles, with no significant difference between premium and midgrade. Haven't done the regular leg of the experiment yet.
  • xcarnutxcarnut Member Posts: 81
    dswine - Much of the road noise can be suppressed with different types of tires but you may loose some of traction capabilities of the Bridgestones that are shipped with the HL, and getting some after-market spray-on insulation that can be of help. But comparing a mini-van with the 4WD SUV is not the same and complaining about it has little merit in it.
    The rattles behind the glove box are well listed on this board and you'll be able to take it to the dealer and get the rattles eliminated.
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    As someone else suggested, try http://www.eloan.com also. I used their system, got pre-approved, then took the paperwork to the dealer. The finance guy there matched the rate that e-laon had guaranteed me. BTW, even e-loan's "local rate" list did not have the most current rates available locally. Guess they change so frequently that they just can't stay "up to the minute". Good luck.
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    Would you mind letting us know the brand of the "spray on" insulation you're going to use (and how long it takes to get it off of your fingers and hands )? Seriously, I've been thinking about doing the same thing but just don't know what kind to get. Thanks.
  • mikey00mikey00 Member Posts: 462
    My RX300 has the same sunroof as the HL and also the same noise. The dealer made his 4th unsuccessful attempt at repair yesterday. A previous post on this forum referenced a older Lexus bulletin # which the dealer performed but does not apply to this "newer" popping sound.
    The only thing I know sure is that it is from the sunroof area and happens when the car is warm from sitting in sun and you get in and drive with the air on. Try this experiment: After car is warm, drive with air on and vents directed toward sunroof. Popping happens fairly quick. Try this again with vents directed away form sunroof. Popping still happens but takes much longer. Try it again with sunroof shade closed. No noise because cool air never reaches sunroof.
  • jdlynch2jdlynch2 Member Posts: 20
    I just had aftermarket leather (ivory) installed in my Highlander. I could not be happier with it and the color match is perfect. One thing I have noticed that is different from the factory leather is the absence of the perforations (holes) in the leather. In my opinion, it is more attractive without the perforations. Also, I now have more padding than I had originally.

    That's my 2 cents worth!
  • retropiaretropia Member Posts: 41
    Check with your local automotive upholstery shops to calculate what a fair retail price is for installed aftermarket leather upholstery. Here's one company that makes well-regarded leather kits:

    www.katzkin.com

    They will sell a kit to you directly if you want to do your own installation, or they sell through upholstery shops who do the installing.

    Some people feel a quality aftermarket kit is better than what some manufacturers provide. You get your choice of dozens of colors, and can even get two-tone seats or options like heated seats.

    If I remember right, a quote from a local upholstery shop for the kit and installation in a Highlander was around $1,400. Dealer cost is probably around $900. My guess is that the auto dealer farms the work out to the local upholstery shop, then adds on some profit.
  • xcarnutxcarnut Member Posts: 81
    The last time I had used spray insulation has been a while but I think it was from 3M if I see it again the one I used I'll post it. BTW: On my HL has more noise coming from around the moonroof than the road noise so I don't have any solution but turn up the radio a little louder. :)
    Which BTW is a sucky radio/speaker combo. As soon as I can get few hundred dollars in spare cash I'll have to figure out if the speakers are the problem or the headunit should be replaced.
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    Hey, thanks. We don't have a moonroof on our 2wd V6 Limited (I've always been fearful of them leaking at some point). Our road noise is coming more from the rear than the front so I'm thinking seriously about the spray-on stuff.
    Regarding the radio / speakers, I couldn't agree more. It's not an audiophile system by any means and I could probably live with it if it wasn't so d*** boomy! I'm not likely to change out the head unit but might consider at least the speakers and maybe the amp. I'd like to know what you end up doing so please post it for all of us. Thanks.
  • masbamamasbama Member Posts: 6
    Thanks for the info on towing. I checked out Toyotaguys.com and a different dealer. When I went to the parts dept of my dealer I bought the rear pad for $69, the tow hitch for $120 and the wiring harness for $11. Can't beat that! Took it to my trailer guy for a 2" ball and installation(They have all the tools) for $40 Ready to tow this weekend! Thanks for your help.

    PS-If anyone has changed the speakers for better sound-let us know!
  • dswinedswine Member Posts: 2
    Xcarnut, you missed my point. If Toyota watches these forums they will pick up the top issues and work to improve them. I'm not complaining, I'm giving feedback to Toyota. I like Toyota.

    Thanks for the insulation spray info. That's a good idea.
  • boulderhlboulderhl Member Posts: 18
    Just curious if anyone has ordered any All Weather Mats yet for their HLs, and whether they were happy with the fit/finish of them. Seems like there are 2 sites that I've found offering custom fit mats for the HLs; Mats4Less and a site that sells WeatherTech mats. They seem to come in Tan, Grey and Black...any idea which goes better with the Ivory? Any recommendations would be appreciated.
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    You might also check out Husky brand. I haven't bought any yet so I don't have any recommendations.


    http://www.huskyliner.com/floormats.html

  • dniehusdniehus Member Posts: 83
    I bought Husky mats for the front seating area and cargo area. The tan color looks very nice with my ivory leather interior.
  • suverssuvers Member Posts: 2
    I have/had my heart set on a HL since my first test drive. Recent comments indicate some "New Model" issues with glove boxes, wind noise, etc.. Any flawless HL's? Anyone heard news on revisions to the 2002 version?

    From what I read so far, this is a very reliable SUV. To find a flawless car is like searching for the Hope diamond. These problems are really minor. If you want to read some real problems, go over to the Jeep Grand Cherokee board: fuel pump causing the car to "stalled" while driving on the highway, constantly "turning" your rotor every 7-8K miles, transmission problem, window or wiper motor problems, and the list goes on and on and on.
  • ehl3ehl3 Member Posts: 30
    Interestingly, it looks as though my 6/5/01 factory ordered Highlander V6, non-Limited w/Tow Prep, port leather, port stainless step bars, roof rack, console, running lamps, and floor mats is going to arrive as a 2002 model. Same price, same options, about a week late. Not a bad deal overall. Step bars added for $40 so the $25,384.96 pre-tax price came out to approx. $177.46 over invoice including destination and $550 dealer ad fee. Don't think I could have done any better after reading this forum for over three months. Strongly recommend internet/e-mail shopping, if you know what you want. Dealer South Florida reference available if anyone is interested.

    The dealer rep indicates that the Limited will carry a slight price increase for 2002, but the V6 non-Limited will not.

    We'll see!
  • steeph123steeph123 Member Posts: 21
    I took my highlander in for the master cylinder cap recall and the brakes feel fine. I also had the wind noise checked and my driver side mirror was slightly loose which caused a small gap causing the wind noise. The dealer ordered a new mirror because he couldnt get it reattched properly. If i could resolve the rattle noises coming from the dash and glove box areas i'll be very happy.
  • djw479djw479 Member Posts: 13
    Just picked up my Electric Green HL Limited AWD on 8/22/01. What a tremendous improvement over my 1997 Grand Cherokee Limited. While it does not have a few of the Jeep's features (memory seat, steering wheel radio controls, etc), the overall vehicle quality is a VAST improvement. Much quieter than when Jeep GC was brand new, as Jeep was delivered with many squeaks and rattles. I have been a loyal American automobile buyer (1990 Corvette ZR-1 still in garage) but I finally gave in to the build quality of an Asian automobile.

    Bought this crossover SUV or as I call it 'a station wagon on steroids' for $2500 under MSRP and dealer threw in trailer hitch for zilch and aftermarket gold emblem package (even the wheel hubs) for $200. The best a Chicagoland dealer would do was MSRP - $500. Rosemurgy International Auto Mall (Wausau WI) also sold me the Platinum 6year/100K extended warranty for $700(cost), so new car buyers will return for dealer servicing for auto repairs(if and when needed) after normal 3/36 warranty expires. To me the $700 provides less worry over potential future problems for those who keep vehicles more than three years.

    Mileage to date (900 miles) in mostly Wisconsin country driving and trip back to Chicago is 23.4 average - over 5.7 MPG better than the Jeep's strictly highway mileage.

    Question - what's up with the deep recessed window trim on both sides of front window? Not complaining, I just like to understand the engineering thought. My 2 cents on this - deep trim defects wind up over vehicle rather than allowing wind to create noise as it passes by large side mirrors!?! Anyone else have other thoughts? BTW, this deep trim also eliminates the window washer solution dirtying the side windows. Boy, do I like Japanese engineering (did they copy from Teutonic side of world??).

    Insurance will be less than my 4-5 year old Jeep due to the insurance industry-rating symbol being less than the Jeep (Toyota = 14, Jeep = 18).

    Thanks to all for the info prior to purchase!
  • brad_22brad_22 Member Posts: 154
    I consider my HL to be flawless. Most of the problems in this forum appear to be minor, which speaks well for Toyota quality.
  • gwleonggwleong Member Posts: 36
    Hello all,

    I'm the proud new owner of a Highlander V6 2WD WITHOUT the Limited Package. I am interested in upgrading the system to sound a bit more like the "premium" system as in the Limited package. I would like to replace the speakers only (I think most of the electronics are the same w/the Premium) and was wondering if anyone knew the model no. of the JBL's Toyota uses or if there's a good, reasonably priced equivalent? Would like to find speakers that fit without any adapters or cutting.

    Please advise.
    Thanks in advance for your reply!!

    PS: No problems so far w/the SUV, maybe because I have about 40 miles on the Odometer!!
  • tbuchtatbuchta Member Posts: 43
    In a fender bender in a parking lot recently I suffered about 3000.00 damage to the left front of my HL. I've just been informed that it will take until October to get one of the damaged parts, the engine oil cooler thats part of the tow package. Apparently the shop had a Toyota dealership run a search on the part availability here in the US with no luck.

    DOES ANYONE have any suggestions, it seems like surely there must be box of those parts sitting somewhere at the plan in Japan that they could send, doesnt it? I will send this note to Toyota through their website, but those usually are forwarded to dealerships too, anyway, any help would obviously be appreciated....
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